kukulj



March 25 1924.

M. KUKULJ SHEET METAL PLATE HANDLING MAGHINE Filed June *7, 1923 6Sheets-Sheet l March 25, 1924. t 1,488,431

M. KUKULJ I SHEET METAL PLATE HANDLING MACHINE Filed .lune '7, 1923 '6Sheets-Sheet 2 i two/mig.

1,488,431 M. KUKULJ SHEET HETAL'PLATE HANDLI GHI Filed June '7, 192! BShoots-Sheet 5 March 25, 1924.

6v Sheets-Sheet 4 M. KUKULJ SHEET METAL -PLATE HANDLING MACHINE March 251924.

March 25 1924.

M. KUKULJ SHEET METAL PLATE HANDLING MACHINE Filed June '7, 1923 6Sheets-Sheetv 5 atto-umg March 25. 192.4. 14,488,431

M. KUKULJ SHEET METAL PLATE 'HANDLING MACHINE Filed June 7, 1923 6Sheets-Sheet 6 A! Sl Qwwmo'o CII Patented Mar. 25, 1924.

UNITED STATES MELE KUKLJ, C=F`F.LRRELL, EENNSYLVANIA.

sHnnr-METAL-rtarn- Application ed .Tune 7,

To all Iwhom 'it' may Coface/vi.'

Be it known that Minn KUKULJ, a citi- .Zen of `vugoslavia, residing atFarrelhin the county of Mercer and State of Pennsylvania, have inventedcertain new andu useful improvements in Sheet-Metal-Plate- {andlingMachines, of which the following is a specification.

rlhis invention relates to certainnew and useful improven'ients in sheetmetal plate handling machines and has particular' reference to apparatusfor receiving sheetmetal plates from a rolling machine and causing anassembly thereof in stacl: formations to facilitate handling ofthefplates in transfer- `ring the same from avrolling mill. l y

The primary objectV of the invention resides in the provision of a sheetmetal plate handling machine associated with the discharge or thedelivery end of a rolling mill, successively receiving finishedrolledplates therefrom and causing the saine to te piled in a stackformation 'permitting the han dling of a larger group of plates at 'oneoperation.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a sheet metal platehandling machine of the type above set forth, a 'driving mechanismembodying a normally disengaged clutch element with devices associatedwith the clutch element and operated' by a sheet metal plate enteringthe machine to shift the clutch element to an operative position causinga change 'in direction of travel of the plate on the machine forstacking the same.

lilith the above and other objects in view as the nature of theinvention is better understood, the same consists of the novel form,combination andarrangement of parts hereinafter more fully described,shown in the accompanying drawings and claimed.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters designatecorresponding` parts throughout the several views,

Figure l. is a side elevational view of a sheet metal plate handlingmachine constructed in accordance with the present invention, thesaniebeing adapted for cooperative association with a sheet metal platerolling mill,

Figure 2 is an end elevational view of the machine,

HANDLING EIACHINE.

1923. Serial NG. 643,955.

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing the drivingmechanism for the machine and the endless belt construction operatedthereby,

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the machine showing the first step in thehandling' of a `sheet metal plate,

Figure 5 is a top plan view, similar to Fig. 4': showing the second stepin the handling of a sheet metal plate with the latter lshifted to. alateral position with respect tothe feed belt of the handling machine,

Figure G is a cross-sectional view taken on line VI-VI of Fig. showingthe second position of the sheet metal plate by dotted lines, and thethird position thereof in full -lines to be received on the hingedflight carried by the endless belt, and further sho wing the outwardlypositioned flight carrying belt shifted to a lower position asillustrated by dotted lines pern'iitting the ready removal of a stackedpile of plates,

Figures 7 and 8 show detail sectional views talzen on line VII-VH andVH1- VIII of Fig. 6,

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the operating mechanism for theshiftable clutch element detached from the macl'iine and adapted to haveapart thereof disposed in the path of movement of a sheet metal platebeing received in the machine,

Figure l() is a cross-sectional view taken on line KMX. of Fig. 1Sshowing the pin engr "ged with the shift `ble clutch element,

Figure l1v is a diagraninmitic view showing the clutch elements engagedwith the shift-- ing pin therefor at the base of the clutch for one ofthe shiftable bars in its operated or released position with the plateshifting head thereof lowered,

Figure 16 is a. detail sectional view of one of the movable bars showingthe mechanism for restoring the same to its set position, v

Figure 17 is a fragmentary perspective view of a shiftable framestructure carrying supporting arms for the outer edges of the sheetmetal plates prior to their last step of handling, and

Figure 18 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a portion of anendless belt structure carrying hinged flights that receive the sheetmetal plaies to convey the same to a. lower support for stacking.

Briefly described, the primary object of the present invention is toprovide a ina-y chine for handling sheet metal plates that are deliveredfrom a rolling mill for the purpose of piling or stacking the same topermit the conveyance of a plurality of plates from the handling machineas a unit, the machine embodying a series of endless belts that areconstantly driven and form conveyor supports for the sheet metal platesdelivered from the rolling machine. The endless conveyor belts aresupported in a frame structure into which laterally shiftable barsupwardly project to engage the plates and shift them laterally of thebelt and frame structure to be received upon laterally movable supportsthat in turn deliver the sheet metal plates between cooperating pairs ofvertically disposed endless belts having flights thereon that supportthe sheet metal plates to convey the same downwardly to a supportcarried by the base frame of the machine for successively stacking theplates and permitting the removal of a plurality of plates at a singleoperation. The laterally movable bars for shifting the plates away fromthe endless conveyor belt and the vertical belts provided with flightsare operated independently of the endless conveyor 4belt and has anormally open clutch apparatus adapted to be moved to a closed positionby operating devices therefor arranged in the path of movement of asheet metal plate passing over the conveyor belt.y

'io accomplish the above objects, the machine illustrated in theaccompanying drawings is associated with the delivery end of a sheetmetal plate rolling machine and embodies a base supporting structure ofI-beams 1 upon which a single track rail 2 is transversely supported,while a second track rail spaced from the track rail 2 is of doublechannel iron formation as indicated at 3 and shown more clearly in Figs.1, 7 and 8.

An upper frame structure including longitudinally extending side bars /1and 5 is supported by perpendicular posts 6 and cross rails 611, the barat the receiving end of the machine being offset as at 5a with the endsof the side bars 4 and 5 connected by the cross bar 6, the opposite endsof the side bars f1V necting end bar 7, an inner cross bar 8 and a sidebar 9 spaced outwardly of the side bar 5, an intermediate cross bar 10being positioned between the cross bars 7 and 8. A plurality of endlessfeed belts is associated with the upper frame structure, rollers 11carried by shafts 12 with the ends of the shafts journaled in bearings13 that are carried by the side bars 11 and 5, the rollers 11 beingarranged in pairs asvillustrated with an endless belt 111 passing overeach pair of rollers, the upper sides of the rollers being disposedabove the side bars 1 and 5 as shown in Fig. 1. A pair of guide rollers15 is journaled in the brackets 16 carried by one end of the side bar Land the end portion 5a of the opposite side bar, the distance betweenthe two rollers 16 being varied by the eidjusting screw 17 as shown inFigs. 1 and 5 between which rollers sheet metal plates from a rollingmachine are passed. The driving means for the guide rollers 15 and theendless belt sections 111 includes a gearing train 18 connecting thelower roller 15 withl the adjacent roller shaft 12 while similar'.

trains of gearing 18a connect the adjacent rollers of each endless beltconstruction, the driving mechanism for the gearing including a sprocketchain 19 extending from a suitable source of power and connected to asprocket wheel 2O upon the shaft supporting the lower roller 15 as shownin Figs. 4 and From the gearing arrangement shown, it will be noted thatthe endless belts 14C travel in the same direction while a sheet' metalplate passing between the guides and feed rollers 15 is received uponthe endless feed belt.

The devices for handling the sheet metal plates after the latter havereached theiry limit of traveling movement upon the endless feed beltembodies power devices en-` tirelyseparatc from the driving means 19'and include a motor 21 supported within the rectangular frame structureintermediate the cross bars 8 and 10 as shown in Figs. e and 5 andhaving a chain and sprocket connection 22 with a shaft 23, the shaft 28eX- tending outwardly ofthe cross bar 7 and carrying a gear wheel 24:upon the projecting end thereof. A. shaft 25 is journaled inperpendicular posts 6 and projects out wardly of the cross bars 7 and 8,one end of the shaft 25 having a gear wheel 26 journaled thereon thatmeshes with the gear wheel 211 and is adapted to be lockedto the shaft25 by the clutch mechanism 27 shown in Figs. 1 and 5, while a gear wheel28 is secured to the other end of the shaft 25. A stub shaft 29 journaled in a perpendicular post 6, as shown in Fig. 6 has a gear wheel1 mounted en the track rail 2. the other end oit the oase uur El tivelylong strap rod channel rails f3 as shoivn 1n Fig. 6, an angle brace "frextending` between the ng; connected to ao base bar 31 and strap rods asshown in Fig. 4. Guide rollers 86 are carried by the inner end of therods 84 and roll within the channel rails 3, while similar rollers 86are carried by the outer end of the rod 34 as shown in Figs. 6 and 7,the rollers 36 and 361L being journaled on a cross shait 37, the rollers36"L being maintained in spaced relation by the spacer as.

A. pitnian 4U eccentrically connected at to the gear wheel 8O has theother end ereoi pivot/ally connected as at 42 to the att 8T supporting'a pair ot guide rollers 3o" positioned inwardly et the outer roller 36as shown in Fi 6. lt will therefore be seen that when the gear Wheelil() is rotated, the pitinan connection 40 with the shaft 87 will causereciprocating movements thereof with the perpendicular arnls 82similarly moved between the side bars 4 and 5 ot the upper trainestructure.

Another laterally shiiftable trame strueture is movable transversely el'the machine and embodies a base bar having' lateral oiiset portions 44,one end ot the base bar 48 carrying a Wheel 83a mounted. on the trackrail 2 While the otherend of the base bar 43 is connected to the rodslidably mounted vithin the channel bars 3 of the track structure. apitnian 46 eccentrically connected as at 47 to the gear 28 having` theouter end thereof attached to the rods 45 in a nianncr as disclosed inconnection With the pitmau Arrl() as illustrated in Figs. 6, 7 and 8. Auan- ,cle brace bar 48 extends between the base bar S and the slide bars45 as clearly shown in Fig. 4, the base bar 43 carrying perpendicularbars 49 alined with` the perpendicular bars 32 carried by the base bar31. The pitrnan rods 40 and 46 are connected te the meshing' gear Wheels80 and 28 respectively in a manner to cause the slide rods 84 and 45carrying the perpendicular bars 82 and 49 to nieve in directions towardand away troni each other.

The detail construction of the perpendicular bars 32 is illustrated inFigs. 'i4 te i6, each bar 32 having` a vertical slotted opening),- 50intermediate the upper and lower ends thereof While a vertical opening'51 is tornied in the upper end et the bar extending :Join

the extreme upper end thereof to the slotted opening 50 as shown 1nFigs. 15 and 16. A rod 52 is slidable in the opening 51 and carries alaterally extending head 53 at the upper end thereof, the lower end olthe rod 52 extending into tle slotted opening 50 for engageinent withthe lever o4 that is pivoted as at 55 in the side Walls o1 the slet. Alever 56 pivoted as at 57 Within the slot 50 has one end thereol"engaging the lree end et the lever 54 while a sliding latch 58 ridingupon the bottoni Wall et the slot 54 as shown in. Figs. 15 and 16 has anopening 59 torined therein adjacent its outer end and upwardlyextending` lip 60 at thee. eine outer end thereof. the outer end 56 o lthe lever 56 extending into the openingil) when the latch 58 is at itsliniit of inward nioi'en'ient as shown in Fig'. 16 withv the inner endoi" the lever 56 engaging the tree end of the lever 54 to hold the saineelevated with the rod 52 at its limit o1i upward movement and with thehead 58 disposed above the upper plies ci.i the endless belt 14 as shownin Fig. 6, the latch being so retained by the abutment stop 5 m carriedby the traniebar 4.

Each perpendicular bar 49 shoivn iu Figs. 6, 14- aud 15 carries a pin 61adapted to be received in the slotted opening 50 While the upper end etthe bar 49 carries a 'forwardly inclined arin 62 and a laterallydirected arni 655. lVhen the bars 82 and 4) inove in directions towardeach other, the bar 49 enga the latch 58 to nieve the same troni the'full line position shown in Fin-s. 14 and '16? to the position slniwnin Fig. l5, causing the rod 52 to drop in the opening 51, and should thelever 54 be accidentally held in engagement With the rod. the pin 61 car1ied b y the bar 49 will engage the saine to edect proper movementthereof as Will at once be obvious from an inspection ot Fig. i4.

The traine structure for supporting the upper side bars 4 and 5 inaddition to the perpendicular posts 6 incluees cross rails 64 supportedat lthe upper ends ot the posts 6 as shown in Fig. 6, the outer ends ofthe cross rails 64 outwardly of the side bar 5 carrying' projectionarnis 65 having abut ine-nt shoulders 65L at their extreme outer ends.and each arm 65 carrying stub shaft 66 that rotatably supports a pulley67. A longitudinally extending shaft 68 is journalet in brackets 69carried by the base supporting' I-beains l and has pulleys .fixedthereon in spaced relation beneath the pulle s 67 on the stub shafts 66.The sli-att 68 extends beyond the meshing gears 28 and 6() and has apulley 71 iixed. to the projecting: end tliereo'lf.

A second longitudinally extending` slant T2 is jourualcd in adjustablebearings 73 supported on br .et arnis 69 as shown in Fin'. 6, the shai'tT, carrying si :iced pulleys porting stub shafts V77 upon which pulleysi horizontal 78 are journaled, the side bars 76 being connected by across 'rod 79 with which one end of a link 80 1s connected, the otheiIend of the `linl having an adjustable connection 80EL carries aplurality of -flights hinged thereto as at Sel and limited in theiropening moif'einent by the braclets 85, the flights 83 assuminghorizontal positions when the adjacent inner plies of the endless belts82 travel in downward directions as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 1S.Upon disconnecting the outer end of the link 80 from the bracket arm 81,the frame structure enibodying the side bars 76 may be swung outwardlyto the dotted line position shown in Fig. 6 for purposes presently Vtoappear. Attention is also called to the fact that the flights 83 uponthe alined endless bells 82 travel in alinement during downward movementthereof.

A frame of the type best illustrated in Figs. de, and 17 is slidablymounted upon the base supporting Blf-beams 1 and include a cross bar S0carrying a central leg 87 and end leg 8S projecting from one sidethereof and a relatively short centrally positioned leg 89 projecting'from the opposite side, each leg 87 and 88 being slotted as at 90through which guide pins proj ecljyl'he frame illustrated in Figs. 11and 5 being disposed beneath the base bar i-.o carryinglheperpi'fndicular bars 419. For purpos presently lo appear, the legs 87and 89 of the .sliiflable frame carry perpendicular pins 91 at each sideof the base bar L13. ihe outer end of cach leg 88 is angularly bent andhas pivoted theretoas at 92, a vertical leg 93 that is pivotally mountedintermediate its end as at 941 lo the lateral lug carried by theadjaeei'it side bar 76 as shown in Fig. 6 of the belt supporting framestructure, the upper ends of the legs 93 projecting above the side bars7 6 and pulleys 78 as illustrated.

The gear Wheel 27 freely rotatable upon the shaft and constantly drivenby the gear 2d is in communication with the motor 21, with. the clutchmechanism and control devices for keying the same to the shaft 25 beingshown more clearly in Figs. 9 to 13.

Jlhe clutch mechanism 27 embodies a clutch element 95 that is fixed tothe inner face of theV gear 26 and a companion clutch element Vlooseclutch element 95.

l96 is slidable upon the shaft 25 and is carried by a collar 97 keyed asat 98 t0 said shaft, a coil spring 99 surrounding the shaft asillustrated in Figs. 1 and 13 engaging the movable clutch element 96 fornormally forcing the saine in a direction toward the The outer end 0fthe collar 97 carries an annular flange 100 having a cam face 101overlying thecollar 97 as shown in Figs. 11 to 13 with a pocket 102formed in the edgeof the highest partef the cam for purposes present-lyto appear.

:The clutchl element 96 is normally retained ina disengaged positionwith respect to the clutch element 95 by al pin 103 vertically slidablein a bracket arm 101 projecting from an adjacent vertical supportingpost 6 as shown in Figs. 10 and 13.

'lhe mechanism for shifting the pin 103 into and out of engagement withthevcam 101 of the collar 97 as illustrated in Fig. 1,

is further shown in detail in Fig. 9 and inp cludes a slide rod 105carrying an upwardly directed pin 106 at one end thereof, the slide rod105 projecting through a guide plate 107 for attachment to one leg 10Sof a'bell crank lever that is pivotally mounted as at 109 upon a bracketarni 110 carried by the guide plate 107 with the other leg 108a of thebell crank being pivotally connected to one end of a lever 111 thatextends outwardly of the side bar 1 of the upper frame structure and tothe outer end of which a depending link rod 112 isl attached. frlongitudinally extending lever rod 113 pivotally mounted intermediateits ends as at 114, has one end thereof pivotally attached as Vat 115lill) to the lower end of the link 112 while the Y slide red 105 betweenthe plate 107 and stop pin 121 placing the slide rod under tension aswell as the system of levers associattalV therewith. A cross bar 122having depending end pins 123 may be mounted onthe side bars t and 5 ofthe upper iframe structure with a slide rod 1211 slidable therethrough,the rod 121 being tensioned as at 125 and having an eye in the outer endthereofV to be received on the pin 10G as shown in Fig. 9. y

The driving means for' the two shafts 68 and 72 includes a pulley 126fixed to the shaft 25 and lia-ving a belt connection 127 with the pulley71. VThe shaft 29 journaled in one of the posts 6 and supported at itsother end by the bar 128 as shown in Figs. 1- and 5 carries a pulley 129that has a belt connection 130 with a pulley 131 fixed to the shaft 132that is jeurnaled in the upper ends of the bar 128, and the bar 133, the

shaft 132 carrying al pulley 134 having a belt conneetion 135 with thepulley 75.

The opera-tion of the machine is as follows:

Sheet metal plates in leaving the rolling mill are received by thehandling machine disclosed in this application, singly between the feedrollers 1G, pressure thereon being regulated by the adjusting screws 17for delivery to the endless feed belt sections 1.4, the belts 14 beingcontinuously rotated by the gearing trains above described. The sheetmetal plate A is moved by the endless conveyor 14 into engagement withthe push rod 124 and upon movement of the system of levers and linksabove described, and more clearly illustrated in Fig. 9, the pin 103 islovvered from engagement With the highest point ot' the cam 101 and theclutch element 96 moved by the spring 99 from the open position shown inFig. 11 to the closed position shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the meshinggears 24 and 26 driven by the motor 21 then rotatingv the shail't 25.rl`he meshing gears 2S and 30 being then rotated, their pitmanconnections 40 and 46 with the transversely slidable :trame structurescarrying the perpendicular bars 82 and 49 are operated, the bars 32being initially positioned adjacentthe side bar 4 while the bars 49 areinitially positioned adjacent the outer ends of the traine bracket asshown in Fig. 6, `he heads 53 ot the rods 52 slidably mounted in thebars 32 being disposed above the side bar 4 and in position to engagethe adjacent edge of the sheet metal plate A. lWith the clutch meehanismengaged, the bars 32 carried by the base bar 81 move transversely ot'the trame structure and shift the plate A laterally of the side bars 4and 5 While the bars 49 carried by the base bar 4S move in directionstoward the side bar 5 illustrated in Fig. 6 bv dotted lines to receivethe laterally shifted plate A. When the bars 32 and 49 reach their limitoi movements toward each other, the latch mechanism Within the bar 32 isoperated to cause the rod 52 to be lowered in the bar 32 to position thehead thereof below the upper plies of the endless belt 14. the levers 54and 56 collapsing as illustrated in Fi 15 and insured by the pin 51carried by the bar 49. When the plate shifted lateral y :trom theendless belt conveyor' 14. the springs 120 and 125 associated with theclutch operating niecl'r anism `functions to raise the pin 103 intoengagement with the flange carried by the clutch collar 97 to theposition shown in Fig. 1,1. the type et clutch illustrated permittingacomplete separation or the bars 32 and 49 to the full line positionsshown in Fig. 6 before the pin 103 moving over the cani 101 complet-elyseparat-es the clutch elements 95 96. During the rotation of the gears28 and 30, the frame structuresI supporting the bars 32 and 49 are movedoutwardly of each other, the lowered rod escaping a plate upon theconveyor 14, the latch bar 58 carried by the bars 82 engaging the depending arm 58"L carried by the side bar 4 as shown in Figs. 6 and 16for restoring the rod 52 to its elevated operative position asillustrated when the bars 32 are completely returned. The plate A beingshifted by the bars 32 from the endless belt conveyors 14 to the arms 62and lateral bracket arms 63 carried thereby, the plates A. are movedbeyond the frame brackets 65 with 'the inner edges of the platesengaging the abutment ends 65n of said brackets. vWith the tramestructures supporting the bars 32 and 49 positioned as illustrated byfull lines in (3 with a plate A being conveyed by the endless belt 14,and with a plate A supported on the bracket arms 63 ot the bars 49, theupper ends ot the legs 93 are positioned to support the outer edge otthe plate A by reason oi? the base bar 43 engagingthe pin 91 carried bythe central leg 87 ot the slidable trame shown in Fig. 17, shitting theframe to cause 'the legs 93 to move upon their pivotal mountings 94 toproject the upper ends oit the legl beneath the outer edge of the plate.llVhen the plate upon the endless belt 14 engages: the operatingmechanism 'for the clutch, the shatt- 25 is rendered operative formoving` the Yframe struetu res carrying the bars 32 and 49 toward eachother, the plate supported upon the bracket arms G9 and. legs 9?; beingprevented from return movement 'with the bracket arms by the inner edgeot the plate engagingthe abutment shoulders 65L ot the 'frame bracketsG5. the legs 98 remaining immovable until the base bar 43 moves asuiieient distance to engage the pin 91 carried by the central leg S9 otthe sliding frame causing the outer ends of the bracket arms 63 and theupper ends ot the legs 9?) to simultaneously release a pla-te supportedthereby to be received upon horizontally alined 'flights S3. The bars 32and 49, and the endless belt 82 carrying the lights 8S nporate in a stepby step movement with the lowering ot the sheet metal plates A betweenthe belts 82 to be finally receive-rl upon the supporting rails 13GYifor stacking. lllhen a sullicient number oil. plates have been.stacked upon the rails lldthelinklll disengaged troni the traine bracket91 permitting the traino i-iiructiuo embodying the side ba 76 carryingthe ontw vvardly positioned conveyor'belt 82 to be lowered to the dottedline position shown in Fi g. G permitting ready access to the stackedplates upon the rails 135 for removal thereof as a. unit. rlhe severalcooperating devices of the machine are so constructed and timed in theiroperation to permit the bars 49 to -inove in directionftonfard thesidebar 5 of the upper frame structure to receive a plate A deliveredthereon by the bars 32, and to convey the plate to the endless belt 82prior to the lateral shitting of the following plate that is receivedupon the endless belts 14. The offset portions 44e in the base bar 43providey clearances for the endless belts 82 and permit su'liicientmovement of the base bar 43 in delivering a plate to the endless belts82.

Thile there is herein shown and described the preferred embodiment oitthe present invention, it is nevertheless to be understood that minorchanges may be made t-herein without departing `from the spirit andscope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is l. In a sheet instal plate handling niachine,a continuously moving conveyor, means for removing the plates trom theconveyor and stacking same, said conveyor including a series othorizontally alined endless belts, gear connections between the endlessbelts, a pair of guide rollers preceding the endless belts, gearconnections between the guide rollers and the adjacent endless beltsection, driving means for the guide rollers continuously operating theendless belts, the means for removing the plates from the conveyorincluding a transversely shittable frame structure carrying verticalbars disposed between the endless belt sections, a vertical slide rodcarried by each bar having a bead at its upper end normally projectingabove the endless belt sections for engaging the adjacent et ge ot aplate, trigger mechanism associated with each bar adapted to be operatedwhen the bar reaches its limit oit operative movement to lower the rodbead to permit return. ot the bar beneath a plate being ied by theendless belt. j

2. In a sheet metal plate handling machine, a continuously movingconveyor, in.- termittently operating means for removing the plates fromthe conveyor and stacking the same, said conveyor including a series ofhorizontally alined endless belts, gear connections between the endlessbelts, a pair of guide rollers preceding the endless belts, gearconnections between the guide rollers and the adjacent endless beltsection, driv ing means for the guide rollers continuously operating theendless belts, the means tor removing the plates from the conveyoriucluding a transversely shiitable traine structure carrying verticalbars disposed between the endless belt sections, a vertical slide rodcarried by each bar having a bead at its upper end normally projectingabove the endless belt sections for engaging the adjacent edge of aplate, trigger mechanisn'i associated with each bar adapted to beoperated when the bar reaches its limit et open ative movement to lowerthe rod bead to permit return oi the bar beneath a plate being ted bythe endless belt.

In a sheet metal plate handling machine, means for initially moving theplates in one direction, means for subsequently moving the plates inanother direction for stacking the same, said conveyor including aseries ot horizontally alinedcndless belts, gear' connections between.the endless belts, a pair ot guide rollers preceding the endless belts,gear connections between the guide rollers and the adjacent endless beltsection, driving means for the guide rollers continuously ope ating theendless belts, the means for removing the plates from the conveyorincluding a transversely shit'table frame structure carrying verticalbars dise posed between the endless belt sections, a

vertical slide rod carried by each bar having a bead at its upper endnormally projecting above the endless belt sections tor engaging theadjacent edge ot a plate, trigger mechanism associated with each baradapted to be operated when the bar reaches its limit oi operativemovement to lower the rod bead to permit return oi the bar beneath aplate being t'ed by the endless belt.

4i. In a sheet metal plate handling machine, a continuously movingconveyor, intermittently operating means 'for shifting the platelaterally of the conveyor, power devices for operating theintermittentlv operating means rendered operative when a 'plate reachesits limit or" travel onthe con'- veyor, said conveyor including a seriesof horizontallj7 alined endless belts, gear connections between theendless belts, a pair ot' guide rollers preceding the endless belts,gear connections between the guide rollers and the adjacent endless beltsection, driving means for the guide rollers continuously operating theendless belts, the means ttor removing the plates from the conveyorincluding a transif'ersely shiitable frame structure carrying' verticalbars disposed between the endless belt sections, a vertical slide rodcarried by each bar having a bead at its upper end normally projectingabove the endless belt sections for engaging the adjacent edge of aplate, trigger mechanism associated with each bar adapted to be openated when the bar reaches its limit of operative movement to lower therod bead to permit return of the bar beneath a plate lieimc,` ted by theendless belt. i

In a sheet metal plate handling inachine, a continuously movingconveyor, means -tor removing the plates from the conveyor and stackingsame rendered operative when the plate reaches its limit of travel onthe conveyor, said conveyor including. a series of horizontally alinedendless belts, gear connections between the endless belts, a pair otguide rollers preceding the endless belts, gear connections between theguide rollers and the adjacent endless belt section, driving means 'forthe guide rollers continuously operating the endless belts, the meansfor removing the plates from the conveyor incliuling a transverselyshittable trame structure carrying vertical bars disposed between theendless belt sections, a vertical slide rod carried by each bar having abead at its upper end normally' projecting above the endless beltsections for engaging the adjacent edge ot a plate, trigger mechanismassociated with each bar adapted to be operated when the bar reaches itslimit ol2 operati ve movement to lower the rod bead to permit return etwr beneath a plate being ted by the endless belt.

6. In a sheet metal plate handling machine, a continuously movingconveyor, intermittently operating means l'or removing the plates fromthe conveyor and stacking the saine rendered operative when the platereaches its limit ol travel on the conveyor, said conveyor including aseries of horizontally alined endless belts, gear connections betweenthe endless belts, a pair of guide rollers preceding the endless belts,gear connections between the guide rollers and the adjacent endless beltsection., driving means for the guide rollers continuously operating theendless belts, the means i'or removing the plates 'from the conveyorincluding a transversely shiitable iframe structure carrying verticalbars disposed be tween the endless belt sections, a vertical slide rodcarried by each bar having a bead at its upper end normally projectingabove the endless belt sections i'ior engaging the adjacent edge ol aplate, trigger mechanismassociated with each bar adapted to be operatedwhen the bar reaches its limit ot operative movement to lower the rodbead to permit return of the bar beneath a plate being :ted by theendless belt.

l. In a sheet metal plate handling machine, means 'for initially movingthe plates in one direction, means Jr'or subsequently moving the platesin another direction for stacking the same, rendered operative when theplate reaches its limit ot travel on the conveyor, said conveyor:including a series ot liori'fiontally alined endless belts, gearconneetions between the endless belts, pair ot guide rollers precedingthe endless belts, gear connections between the guide rollers and theadjacent endless belt section, driving means for the guide rollerscontinuously operating the endless belts, the means 'tor removing theplates from the conveyor including a transversely shii'table 'tramestruc ture carrying vertical bars disposed between the-endless beltsections, a vertical slide rod carried by each bar having a bead at itsupper end normally projecting above the endi less belt sections torengaging the adjacent. edge of a plate, trigger mechanism associatedwith each bar adapted to be operated when the bar reaches its limit ofoperative movement to lower the rod bead to permit return oit the barbeneath a plate being fed by the endless belt.

8. In a sheet metal plate handling machine, a continuously movingconveyor, means for removing the plates lrom the conveyor and stackingsame, said conveyor including a series of horizontally alined endlessbelts, gear connections between the endless belts, a pair et guiderollers preceding the endless belts, gear connections between the guiderollers and the adjacent endless belt section, driving means ior theguide rollers continuously operating the endless belts, the means lorremoving the plates from the conveyor' including a transverselyshittable frame structure carrying vertical bars disposed between theendless belt sections, a vertical slide rod carried by each bar having abead at its upper end normally projecting above the endless beltsections for engaging the adjacent edge ot a plate, trigger mechanismassociated with each bar adapted to be operated when the bar reaches itslimit of operative movement to lower the rod bead to permit return olthe bar beneath a plate being led by the endless belt, a second tramestructure including a base bar and vertical bars alined with thevertical bars of the first trame structure adapted to move toward andaway from the bars of the lirst trame structure, the vertical bars ofthe second frame strueture adapted to operate the trigger mechanism ofthe bars of the iirst named frame structure, means carried by the barsol the second frame structure to receive the plates delivered by thelirst named bars, and stacking means for the plates positioned laterallyof the traine bars.

9. In a sheet metal plate handling machine, a continuously movingconveyor, intermittently operating means for removing the plates fromthe conveyor and stacking the same, said conveyor including a series othorizontally alined endless belts, gear connections between the endlessbelts, a pair otl guide rollers preceding the endless belts, gearconnections between. the guide rollers and the adjacent endless beltsection, driving means ior the guide rollers continuously operating theendless belts, the means -for removing the plates from the conveyorincluding a transversely shittablc frame structure carrying verticalbars disposed between the endless belt sections, a vertical slide rodcarried by each bar having a bead at its upper end normally projecting`above the endless belt sections or engaging the adjacent edge of aplate, trigger mechanism associated with each bar adapted to be operatedwhen the bar reaches its limit ol operative movement to' lower the rodbead to permit return ci the bar beneath a plate being fed by theendless belt, a second traine struc' ture including a base bar andvertical bars alined with the vertical bars ot the irst frame structureadapted to move toward and away from the bars ot the tirst framestructure, the vertical bars ot' the second frame structure adapted tooperate the trigger' mechanism of the bars et the irst named trainestructure, means carried by the bars of the second frame structure toreceive the plates delivered by the first named bars, and stacking means'for the plates positioned laterally et the frame bars.

10. ln a sheet metal plate handling machine, means for initially moving'the plates in one direction, means ior subsequently moving the plates inanother direction for stacking the same, said conveyor including aseries ol" horizontally alined endless belts, gear connections betweenthe endless belts, a pair oi" guide rollers liireeeding the endlessbelts, gear connections between the guide rollers and the adjacentendless belt section, driving means 'tor the guide rollers continuouslyoperating the endless belts, the means for removing the plates from theconveyor including a transversely slii'ftable trame structure carryingvertical bars disposed between tlie endless belt sections, a verticalslide rod carried b v each bar having a bead at its upper end normallyprojccting above the endless belt sections forl engaging the adjacentedge oiz a plate, trigger mechanism associated with each bar adapted tobe operated when'the bar reaches its limit of operative movement tolower the rod bead to permit return of the bar beneath a plate being`fed by `the endless belt, a ond traine structure including a base barand vertical bars alined with the vertical bars ot the i'irst 'framestructure adapted to move toward and away from the bars of the first:traine structure, the vertical bars ot the second 'trame structureadapted to operate the trigger mechanism o'tthe bars ot the first named"frame structure, means carried by the bars of the second framestructure to receive the plates delivered by the first named bars, andstacking means for the plates positioned laterally of the frame bars.

l1. ln a sheet metal plate handling machine, a continuously movingconveyor1 intermittently operating means for shifting the platelaterally oi the conveyor, power devices for operating` theintermittently operating means rendered operative when a plate reachesits limit of travel on the conveyor, said conveyor including a series ofhorizontally alined endless belts, gear connections between the endlessbelts, a pair oit guide' rollers preceding the endless belts, gearconnect-ions between the guide rollers and the adjacent endless beltsection, driving means tor the guide rollers continuously operating theendless belts, the nieans-iior removing the plates from the conveyorincluding a transversely shi'ftable trame structure carrying verticalbars disposed between the endless belt sections, a vertical slide rodcarried. by each bar having a bead at its upper end normally projectingabove the end less belt sections for engaging the adjacent edge olf aplate, trigger mechanism associated with each bar adapted to be operatedwhen tl e bar reaches lits limit of operative movement', te lower therod bead to permit return of the bar beneath a plate being ted by theendless belt, a second trame structure including a base bar and verticalbars alined with the vertical bars ot the first iframe structure adaptedto move toward and away trom the bars of the first frame structure, thevertical bars ot the second trame structurc adapted to operate thetrigger mechanisni et the bars ot the first named frame stiaicture,means carried by the bars of the second trame structure to receive theplates delivered by the first named bars, and stacl ing` means for theplates positioned laterally oit the frame bars.

l2. In a sheet metal plate handling machine, a continuously movingconveyor, means for removing the plates from the conveyor and stackingsame rendered operative when the plate reaches its limit ot travel onthe conveyor, said Conveyor including a series ot horizontally alinedendless belts, gear connections between the endless belts, a. 1)air ofguide rollers preceding the endless belts, gear connections between theguide rollers and the adjacent endless belt section. driving means forthe guide rollers continuously operating the endless belts, the meanstor removing the plates from the conveyor including a transverselyshiftable frame structure carrying vertical bars disposed between theendless belt sections, a vertical silde rod carried by each bar having abead at it upper end normally projecting above the endless belt sectionsfor engaging the-adjacent edge of a plate, triggerineclianisinassociated with each bar adapted to be operated when the bar reaches itslimit of operative movement to lower the rod bead to permit return etthe bar beneath a plate being Yled by the endless belt,

a second trame structure includingr a base bar and vertical bars alinedwith the vertical bars ot the first traine structure adapted to movetoward and Vaway from the bars ci the iirst traine structure, thevertical bars of the second trame structure adapted to operate thetrigger mechanism of the bars oi the first named frame structure, meanscarried by the bars oiI Vthe second frame structure to receive theplates deliveredby the first named bars, and stacking means for theplates positioned laterally ot the fra-ine bars. i f

LEO

inseam es 13. In a sheet met-al plate handling machine, a continuouslymoving conveyor, intermittently operating mea-ns for removing the platesfrom the conveyor and stacking the same rendered operative when theplate reaches its limit of travel on the conveyor, said conveyor"including a series ot horizontally alined endless belts, gearconnections between the endless belts, a pair of guide rollers precedingthe endless belts, gear connections between the guide rollers and theadjacent endless belt section, driving means for the guide rollerscontinuously operat-ing the endless belts, the means for removing theplates from the conveyor including a transversely shiftable framestructure carrying vertical bars disposed between the endless beltsections, a. vertical slide rod carried by each bar having a bead at itsupper end normally projecting above the endless belt sections forengaging the adjacent edge of a plate, trigger mechanism associated withcach bar adapted to be operated when the bar reaches its limit ot'operative movement to lower the rod bead to permit return of the barbeneath a plate being ted by the endless belt, a second trame structureincluding a base bar and vertical bars alined with the vertical bars ofthe first trame structure adapted to move toward and away from the barsof the first trame structure, the vertical bars of the second framestructure adapted to operate the trigger mechanism of the bars of theirst named frame structure, means carried by the bars of the secondframe structure to receive the plates delivered by the iirst named barsand stacking means for the plates positioned laterally or' the tramebars.

14. In a sheet metal plate handling machine, means for initially movingthe plates in one direction, means for subsequently moving the plates inanother direction for stacking the same, rendered operative when theplate reaches its limit ot travel on the conveyor, said conveyorincluding a series of horizontally alined endless belts, gearconnections betweeny the endless belts, a pair of guide rollerspreceding the endless belts, gear connections between the guide rollersand the adjacent endless belt section, driving means `lo; the guiderollers continuously operating the endless belts,the means tor removingthe plates from the conveyor including transversely shittable tramestruc-ture carrying vertical bars disposed between the endless beltsections, a vertical slide rod carried by each bar having a bead at itsupper end normally projecting above the endless belt sections forengaging the. adjacent edge oi a pla-te, trigger mechanism associatedwith each bar adapted to be operated when the bar reaches its limit ofoperative movement to lower the rod bead to permit return of the barbeneath a plate being fed by the endless belt, a second :trame siructureincluding a base bar and vertical bars alined with the vertical bars ofthe lirst trame structure adapted to move toward and awa-y from the barsof the iirst frame structure, the vertical bars of the second framestructure adapted to operate the trigger mechanism ot the bars of thefirst named iframe structure, means carried by the bars of the secondtrame structure to receive the plates delivered by the tirst named bars,and stacking means for the plates positioned laterally of the tramebars.

15. In a sheet metal plate handling machine, a continuously movingconveyor, means for removing the plates from the conveyor and stackingsame, said conveyor including a series of horizontally alined endlessbelts, gear connections between the endless belts, a pair of guiderollers preceding the endless belts, gear connections between the guiderollers and the adjacent endless belt section, driving means for theguide rollers continuously operating the endless belts, the means forremoving the plates from the conveyor including a transversely shiftsable 'frame structure carrying vertical bars disposed between theendless belt sections, a vertical slide rod carried by each bar havinga. bead at its upper end normally projecting above the endless beltsections tor engaging the adjacent edge ot a plate, trigger mechanismassociated with each bar adapted to be operated when the bar reaches itslimit et operative movement to lower the rod bead to permit return ofthe bar beneath a plate being ted by the endless belt, second framestructure including a base bar and vertical bars alined with thevertical bars oiL the lirst frame structure adapted to move toward andaway from the bars of the lirst traine structure, the vertical bars ofthe second frame structure adapted to operate the trigger mechanism of'the bars of the lirst named frame structure, means carried by the barsof the first named aine structure, means carried by the bars of thesecond trame structure to receive the plates delivered by the iirstnamed bars', stacking means for the plates positioned laterally oit thetraine bars, the stacking means including pairs of transversely alinedvertically disposed endless belts, hinged .flights carried by the beltsadapted to receive the plates to lewe: thc same, and a pivotally mounted:traine supporting the outer pair oi endless belts permitting loweringmovement tliereo't tor unitary removal of a pile olf stacked plates.

1G. In a sheet metal plate handling ma chine, a continuously movingconveyor, intermittently operating means for removing the plates fromthe conveyor and stacking the same, said conveyor including a series ofhorizontally alined endless belts, gear connections beti 'een theendless belts, a pair of guide rollers preceding the endless belts, gearconnections between the guide rollers and the adjacent endless beltsection, driving means for the guide rollers continuously operating theendless belts, the means for removing` the plates from the conveyor in-'cluding a transversely shiftable frame structure car 1ying vertical barsdisposed between the endless belt sections, a vertical slide rod carriedby each bar having a bead at its upper end normally proj eeting abovethe endless belt sections for engaging the adjacent edge of a plate,trigger mechanism asso ciated with each bar adapted to be operated whenthe bar reaches its limit ot operative movement to lower the rod bead topermit return oic the bar beneath the plate being fed by the endlessbelt, a second trame structure including a base bar and vertical barsalined with the vertical bars of the irst frame structure adapted tomove toward and away from the bars of the first trame structure, thevertical bars of the second trame structure adapted to operate thetrigger mechanism of the bars of the first named frame structure, meanscarried by the bars of the second frame structure to receive the platesdelivered by the first named bars, stacking means for the platespositioned laterally of the frame bars, the stacking means includingpairs of transversely alined vertieally disposed endless belts, hingedilights carried by the belts adapted to receive the plates to lower thesame, and a pivotally mounted frame supporting the outer pair ot endlessbelts permitting lowering` movement thereof for unitary removal of apile of Vstacked plates.

17.*In a sheet metal plate handling 1nachine, means for initially movingthe plates in one direction, means for subsequently moving the plates inanother direction tor sta-cking the same, said conveyor including aseries ol horizontally alined endless belts, gear connections betweenthe endless belts, a pair of guide rollers preceding theendless belts,gear connections between the guide rollers and the adjacent endless beltsection, driving means for the guide rollers continuously operating theendless belts, the means for removing the plates from the con veyorincluding a transversely shiftable frame structure carrying verticalbars dis posed between lthe endless belt sections, a. vertical slide redcarried by each bar having a bead at its upper end normally j nojectingabove the endless belt sections for engaging the adjacent edge of aplate, trigger mechanism associated with each bar adapted to be operatedwhen the bar reaches its limit ci' operative movement to lower the rodbead to permit return of the bar beneath a plate being fed by theendless belt, a second frame structure including a base bar and verticalbars alined with the vertical bars ci the first trame structure adaptedto move tovvard Vand away from the bars ot the first frame 1 structure,the Vvertical bars of the second trame struct-ure adapted to operate thetrigger mechanism of the bars of the first named lrarne structure, meanscarried by the bars of the second frame structure to receive the platesdelivered by the first named bars, stacking means for thepla-tespositioned laterally oit the frame bars, the stacking meansincluding pairs of transversely alined v rtically disposed endlessbelts, hinged flights carried by the belts adapted to receive the platesto'loiver the same, and a pivotally mounted frame sujiiporting ltheouter pair et endless belts permitting lowering movement thereof forunitary removal ot' a pile of stacked plates.

18. In a sheet metal plate handling machine, a continuously movingconveyor, intermittently operating means for shifting the platelaterally of the conveyor, power devices for operating theintermittently 0perating means rendered operative when a plate reachesits limit of travel on the conveyor, said conveyor including a series ofhorizontally alined endless belts., gear connections between the endlessbelts, a pair of guide rollers preceding the endless belts, gearconnections between the guide rollers and the adjacent endless beltsectiondriv ing means for the guide rollers continuously operating theendless belts, the means for removing the plates from the conveyorincluding a transversely shiftable frame strncture carrying verticalbars disposed between the endless belt sections., a vertical slide rodcarried by each bar having a bead at its upper end normally projectingabove the endless belt sections for engaging the adj acent edge of aplate, trigger mechanism associated With each bar adapted to be operatedivhen the bar reaches its limit of operative movement to lower the rodbead to permit return of the bar beneath a plate being fed. by theendless belt, a second frame structure including` a base bar andvertical bars alined With the vertical bars of the first trame structureadapted to move toward and away from the bars of the first framestructure, the vertical bars' of the second frame structure adapted tooperate the trigger mechanism oit the bars of the first named framestructure, means carried by the bars ot the second frame structure toreceive the plates delivered by the first named bars, stacking means forthe plates positioned laterally of the trame bars, the stacking meansincluding pairs oli' transversely alined vertically disposed endlessbelts,v hinged flights.v

carried by the belts adapted to receive the plates to lower the same,and a pivotally mounted trame supporting the outer pair of nastiestendless belts `permitting' lowering movement thereof for unitary removalof a pile -o stacked plates.

19. In a sheet metal plate handling machine, -a continuously movingconveyor, means for removing the plates from the conveyor and stackingsame rendered operative when the plate reaches its limit of travel onthe conveyor, said conveyor including a series of horizontally alinedendless belts, gear connections between the endless belts, a pair ofguide rollers preceding the endless belts, gear connections between theguide rollers and the adjacent endless belt section, driving means forthe guide rollers continuously operating the endless belts, the meansfor removing the plates from the conveyor including a transverselyshiftable frame struct-ure car ying vertical bars disposed between theendless belt sections, a vertical slide rod carried by each bar having abead at its upper end normally projecting above the endless beltsections for engaging the adjacent edge of a. plate, trigger mechanismassociatedv with each bar adapted to be operated when the bar reachesits limit of operative movement to lower the rod bead to permit returnof the bar beneath a plate being fed by the endless belt, a second framestructure including a base bar and vertical bars alined with thevertical bars of the first frame structure adapted to move toward andaway from the bars of the first frame structure, the vertical bars ofthe second trame structure adapted to operate 4the trigger mechanism ofthe bars of the first named frame structure, means carried by the barsof the second frame structure to receive the plates delivered by thefirs-t named bars, stacking means for the plates positioned laterally ofthe frame bars, the stacking means including pairs of transverselyalined vertically disposed endless belts, hinged flights carried by thebelts adapted to receive the plates to lower the same, and a pivotallymounted frame supporting the outer pair of endless belts permittinglowering movement thereof for unitary removal of a pile of stackedplates.

20. In a` sheet metal plate handling ma.- chine a continuously movingconveyor, intermittently operating means for removing the plates fromthe conveyor andstacling the same rendered operative when the platereaches its limit of travel on the conveyor, said conveyor including laseries of horizontally alined endless belts, gear connectionsbetween theendless belts, a pair of guide rollers preceding the endless belts,gears connections between the guide rollers and the adjacent endlessbelt section, driving means for the guide rollers continuously operatingthe endless belts, the means for removing the plates from the conveyorin oludinga transversely shiftabley frame structure `carrying verticalbars disposed between the endless belt sections, a vertical slide rodcarried by each bar having a bead at its upper end normally projectingabove the endless belt sections for engaging the adjacent edge of aplate, trigger mechanism associated with each bar adapted to be operatedwhen the bar reaches its limit of operative movement to lower the rodbead to permit return of the bar beneath a plate being fed by theendlessbelt, a second frame structure including a base bar and verticalbars alined with the vertical bars of the second frame structure adaptedto operate the trigger mechanism of the bars of the first named framestructure, means carried by the bars of the second frame structure toreceive the plates delivered by the first named bars, stacking means forthe plates positioned laterally of the frame bars, the stack` ing meansincluding pairs of transversely alined vertically disposed endlessbelts, hinged flights carried by the belts adapted to receive the platesto lower the same, and a pivot-allv mounted frame supporting the outerpair of endless belts permitting lowering movement thereof for unitaryremoval of a pile 0f stacked plates.

2l. In a sheet metal plate handling machine, means for initially movingthe plates in one direction, means for subsequently moving the plates inanother direction for stacking the same, rendered operative when theplate reaches its limit of travel on the conveyor, said conveyorincluding a, series ot horizontally alined endless belts, gearconnections between the endless belts, a pair of guide rollers precedingthe endless belts, gear connections between the'. guide rollers and theadjacent endless belt section, driving means for the guide rollerscontinuously operating` the endless belts, the means for removing theplates from the conveyor including a. transversely shiftable framestructure carrying vertical bars disposed between the endless beltsections, a vertical slide rod carried by each bar having a bead at itsupper end normally projecting above the endless belt sections forengaging the adj acent edge of a plate, trigger` mechanism associatedwith each bar adapted to be operated when the bar reaches its limit ofoperative movement to lower the rod bead to permit return of the barbeneath a plate being ted by the endless belt, a second frame structureincluding abase bar and vertical bars alined with the vertical bars ofthe first frame structure adapted to move toward and away from the barsof the first frame structure, the vertical bars of the second framestructure adapted to operate the trigger mechanism of the bars of thefirst named frame structure, means carried by the bars of the secondframe structure t0 receive the plates delivered by the first named bars,stacking means for the plates positioned laterally of the frame bars,the stack;- ing means including pairs of transversely alined verticaldisposed endless belts, hinged. flights carried by the belts adapted toreceive the plates to lower the same, and a pivotally mounted framesupporting the outer pair oi endless belts permitting lowering movementthereof for unitary removal of a pile of stacked plates.

2Q. ln `a sheet metal plate handling machine, a continuously movingconveyor, means for removing the plates from the conveyor and stackingsame, said conveyor including a series of horizontally alined endlessbelts, gear connections between the endless belts, a pair of guiderollers preceding the endless belts, gear connections between the guiderollers and the adjacent endless belt section, driving` means for theguide rollers continuously operating the endless belts, the means forremoving the plates from the conveyor including a transversely shiftableframe structure carrying vertical bars disposed between the endless beltsections, a vertical slide rod carried by each bar having a bead at itsupper' end normally projecting above the endless belt sections forengaging the adjacent edge of a plate, trigger mechanism associated witheach bar adapted to be operated when the bar reaches its limit ofoperative movement to lower the rod bead to permit return of the barbeneath a plate beine* fed b-y the endless belt, a second framestructure including a base bar and vertical bars alined with thevertical bars of the first lrame structure adapted to move toward andaway from the bars of the rst frame structure, the vertical bars of thesecond frame struc-ture adapted to operate the trigger mechanism of thebars of the first named frame structure, means carried by the bars ofthe first named frame structure, means carried by the bars of the secondframe structure to receive the plates delivered by the first named bars,stacking means for the plates positioned laterally of the frame bars,the stacking means including pairs of transversely alined vertic-allydisposed endless belts, hinged flights carried by the belts adapted toreceive the plates to lower the same, a pivotally mounted framesupporting the outer pair of end less belts permitting lowering movementthereof for unitary removal of a pile of stacked plates, a frameslidably mounted beneath the base bar of the second named framestructure, hinged legs carried by the sliding frame and pivotallyconnected to the frame supporting the outer endless belts with the upperends of the plates adapted to support the outer edge of a plate prior toreception on the belt nights, and means carried by the incensi yguiderollers preceding the endless belts,

gear connections between the guide rollers and the adjacent endless beltsection, driving means for the guide rollers continuously operating theendless belts, the means for removing the plates 'from the conveyorincluding a transversely shiftable frame structure carrying verticalbars disposed between the endless belt sections, a vertical slide rodcarried by each bar having a bead at its up per end normally projectingabove the endlessY belt sections for engaging the adjacent edge of aplate, trigger mechanism associated with each bar adapted to be operatedwhen the bar reaches its limits of operative movement to lower the rodbead to permit return of the bar beneath the plate being led by theendless belt, a second frame structure including a base bar and verticalbars alined with the vertical bars of the first frame structure adaptedto'move toward and away from the bars of the first frame structure, thevertical bars of the second frame structure adapted to operate thetrigger mechanism of the'bars of the first named frame structure, meanscarried by the bars of the second frame structure to receive the platesdelivered by the first named bars, stacking means for the platespositioned laterally of' the frame bars, the stacking means includingpairs of transversely alined.

vertically disposed endless belts, hinged flights carried by the beltsadapted to ref Ceive the plates to lower the same, a pivotally mountedframe supporting the outer pair of endless belts permitting loweringmovement thereof for unitary removal of a pile of stacked plates, aframe slidably mounted beneath the base bar of the second named Jframestructure, hinged legs carried by the sliding lrame and pivotallyconnected to the frame supporting the outer endless belts with the upperends of the plates adapted to support the outer edge of a plate prior toreception on the belt flights, and means carried by the sliding frameadapted to be engaged by the base bar of the second frame structure tomove the sliding frame in opposite directions to move the frame legs tooperative and inoperative positions relative to the travelling plates.

2e. ln a sheet metal plate handling machine, means for initially movingthe plates in one direction, means for subsequently moving the plates inanother direction for stacking the same, said conveyor including aseries ot' horizontally alined endless belts, gear connections betweenthe endless belts, a pair of guide rollers preceding the endless belts,gear connections between the guide rollers and the adjacent endless beltsection, driving means for the guide rollers continuously operating theendless belts, the means for removing the plates from the conveyorincluding` a transversely shiftable frame structure carrying verticalbars disposed between the endless belt sections, a vertical slide rodcarried by each bar having a bead at its upper end normally projectingabove the endless belt sections for engaging the adjacent edge of aplate, trigger mechanism associated with each bar adapted to be operatedwhen the bar reaches its limit of operative movement to lower the rodbead to permit return of the bar beneath a plate being fed by theendless belt, a second frame structure including a base bar and verticalbars alined with the vertical bars of the first frame structure adaptedto move toward and away from the bars of the rst frame structure, thevertical bars of the second frame structure adapted to operate thetrigger mechanism ot the bars of: the first named frame structure, meanscarried by the bars of the second frame structure to receive the platesdelivered by the first named bars, stacking means for the platespositioned laterally of the frame bars, the stacking means includingpairs of transversely alined vertically disposed endless belts, hingedflights carried by the belts adapted to receive the plates to lower thesame. a pivotally mounted frame supporting the outer pair of' endlessbelts permitting lowering movement thereof for unitary removal of a pileof stacked plates, a frame slidably mounted beneath the base bar of thesecond named frame structure, hinged legs carried by the sliding frameand pivotally connected to the frame supporting the outer endless beltswith the upper ends oi the plates adapted to support the outer edge or"a plate prior to reception on the belt flights, and means carried by thesliding frame adapted to be engaged by the base bar of the second framestructure to move the sliding frame in opposite directions to move theframe legs to operative and inoperative positions relative to thetravelling plates.

25. In a sheet metal plate handling machine, a continuously movingconveyor, intermittently operating means for shifting the platelaterally of the conveyor, power devices for operating theintermittently operating means rendered operative when plate reaches itslimit of travel on the conveyor, said conveyor including a series ofhorizontally alined endless belts, gear connections between the endlessbelts, a pair of guide rollers preceding the endless belts, gearconnections between the guide rollers and the adjacent endless beltsection, driving means for the guide rollers continuously operating theendless belts, the means for removing the plates from the conveyorincluding a transversely shiftable frame structure carrying verticalbars disposed between the endless belt sections, a vertical slide rodcarried by each bar having a bead at its upper end normally projectingabove the endless belt sections for engaging the adjacent edges of aplate, trigger mechanism associated with each bar adapted to bc operatedwhen the bar reaches its limit ot operative movement to lower the rodbead to permit return of the bar beneath a plate being ed by the endlessbelt, a second frame structure including a base bar and vertical barsalined with the vertical bars of the first frame structure adapted tomove toward and away from the bars of the first frame structure, thevertical bars of the second frame structure adapted to operate thetrigger mechanism of the bars of the rst named 'trame structure, meanscarried by the bars ot' the second frame struct-ure to receive theplates delivered by the first named bars, stacking means for the platespositioned laterally of the frame bars, the stacking means includingpairs of transversely alined vertically disposed endless belts, hingedflights carried by the belts adapted to receive the plates to lower thesame, a pivotally mounted frame supporting the outer pair of endlessbelts permitting lowering movement thereof for unitary removal of a pileof stacked plates, a frame slidably mounted beneath the base bar of thesecond named frame structure, hinged legs carried by the sliding frameand pivotally connected to the frame supporting the outer endless beltswith the upper ends of the plates adapted to support the outer edge of aplate prior to reception on the belt flights, and means carried by thesliding frame adapted to be engaged by the base bar of the second framestructure to move the slding frame in opposite directions to move theframe legs to operative and inoperative positions relative to thetravelling plates.

26. In a sheet metal plate handling machine, a continuously movingconveyor, means for removing the plates from the conveyor and stackingsame rendered operative when the plate reaches its limit of travel onthe conveyor, said conveyor including a series of horizontally alinedendless belts, gear connections between the endless belts, apair ofguide rollers preceding theendless belts, gear connections between llOthe guide rollers and the adjacent endless belt section, driving meansfor the guide rollers continuously operating the endless belts, themeans lor removing the plates from the conveyor including a transverselyshiftable frame structure carrying vertical bars disposed between theendless belt sections, a 'vertical slide rod carried by each bar havinga bead at its upper end normally projecting above the endless beltsections for engaging the adjacent edge of a plate, trigger mechanismassociated with each bar adapted to be operated when the bar reaches itslimit oli' operative movement to lower the rod bead to permit return olthe bar beneath a plate being fed by the endless belt, a second tramestructure including a base bar and vertical bars alined with thevertical bars of the first iframe structure adapted to move toward andaway 'from the bars of the lirst trame structure, the vertical bars ofthe second frame structure adapted to operate the trigger' mechanism ofthe bars of the first named 'frame structure, means carried by the barsof the second 'frame structure to receive the plates delivered by thefirst named bars, stacking means for the plates positioned laterally ot'the frame bars, the stacking means including pairs of transverselyalined vertically disposed endless belts hinged flights carried by thebelts adapted to receive the plates to lower the same, a pivotallymounted 'frame supporting the outer pair of endless belt-s permittinglowering movement thereof for unitary removal of a pile of stackedplates, a frame slidably mounted beneath the base bar of the secondnamed frame structure, hinged legs carried by the sliding frame andpivotally connected to the frame supporting the outer endless belts withthe upper ends or' the plates adapted to support the outer edge of aplate prior to reception on the belt flights, and means carried by thesliding frame adapted to be engaged by the base bar ol the second tramestructure to move the sliding 'frame in opposite directions to move thetraine legs 'to operative and inoperative positions relative to thetravelling plates.

27. ln a sheet metal plate handling machine, a continuously movingconveyor, intermittently operating means for removing the plates fromthe conveyor and stacking the same rendered operative when the platereaches its limit of travel on the conveyor, said conveyor` including aseries of horizon tally alined endless belts, gear connections betweenthe endless belts, a pair of guide rollers preceding the endless belts,gear connections between the guide rollers and the adjacent endless beltsection, driving means :tor the guide rollers continuously operating theendless belts, the means for removing the plates from the conveyorincluding a transversely shittable frame structure car rying verticalbars disposed between the endless belt sections, a vertical slide rodcarried by each bar having a bead at its upper end normally projectingabove the endless belt sections for engaging the adjacent edge of aplate, trigger mechanism associated with each bar adapted to be operatedwhen the bar reaches its limit of operative movement to lower the rodbead to permit return of the bar beneath a plate being fed by theendless belts, a second frame structure including a base bar andvertical bars alined with the vertical bars of the second framestructure adapted to operate the trigger mechanism olf the bars of thelirst named frame structure, means carried by the bars of the secondtrame structure to receive the plates delivered by the first named bars,stacking means for the plates positioned laterally of the frame bars,the stacking means including pairs of transversely alined verticallydisposed endless belts, hinged flights carried by the belts adapted toreceive the plates to lower the same, a pivotally mounted framesupporting the outer pair of endless belts permitting lowering movementthereof for unitary removal of a pile of stacked plates, a frameslidably mounted beneath the base bar of the second named tramestructure, hinged legs carried by the sliding frame and pivotallyconnected to the 'frame supporting the outer endless belts with theupper ends of the plates adapted 'to support the outer edge of a plate.prior to reception on the belt flights and means carried by the sliding'frame adapted to be engaged by the base bar of the second framestructure to move the sliding frame in opposite directions to move theframe legs to operative and inoperative positions relative to thetravelling plates.

28. In a sheet metal plate handling machine, means for initially moving`the plates in one direction, means for subsequently moving the plates inanother direction for stacking the same, rendered operative when theplate reaches its limit of travel on the conveyor, said conveyorincluding a series of horizontally alined endless belts, gearconnections between the endless belts, a pair of guide rollers precedingthe endless belts, gear connections between the guide rollers and theadjacent endless belt section, .driving means for the guide rollerscontinuously operating the endless belts, the means for removing theplates from the conveyor including a transversely shiftable framestructure carrying vert-ical bars disposed between the endless beltsections, a vertical slide rod carried by each bar having a bead at itsupper end normally projecting above the endless belt sections forengaging the adjacent edge of a plate, trigger mechanism

